Sesame Salad
A crunchy, savory sesame salad featuring toasted almonds, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for casual gatherings or as a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, m.s.g., salt, white vinegar, and oil with a spoon or in a shaker until well combined.
- Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad ingredients to keep them crisp.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using sesame oil instead of regular oil in the dressing. If you want to reduce the MSG, try using a low-sodium soy sauce as a substitute. Toast the sliced almonds for extra crunch and nuttiness. Ensure the lettuce is thoroughly dry before adding the dressing to maintain its crispness. You can also include other vegetables like shredded carrots or cucumber for more texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Sesame Salad serves as a great side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light lunch. Pair it with dishes like Pork And Rice(Hot Dish) for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside a bowl of Senate Bean Soup(Yield: 8 Servings) to complement the flavors. Top with additional toasted sesame seeds for an appealing finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad components separately from the dressing to prevent sogginess. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the salad has already been mixed, it’s best consumed within a day. To refresh the salad, add a splash of vinegar and mix just before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sesame Salad contains roughly 476 calories, with 16g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This will help maintain the freshness of the lettuce and prevent wilting. The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What can I substitute for bacon?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the bacon with crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds for a crunch. Alternatively, turkey bacon offers a leaner choice while still providing that savory flavor.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make the salad heartier, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu. You could also include quinoa or brown rice for added texture and nutrition, making it a more substantial meal option.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).